LGN Adopts Anti-Racism Resolution

WHEREAS, Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. recognizes that there has been systemic and structural racism, overt and implicit bias, and other unjust prejudices and practices that have led and continue to lead to racial inequities throughout society and the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, we believe that the legal system and the rule of law, and our law firm, has both the capacity and the moral obligation to help create a more fair and just society; and

WHEREAS, such racial inequities, and their causes, can be and should be identified, addressed and eradicated;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by both the partnership and the firm as a whole, that Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. is committed to doing its part, intentionally and continually, in eradicating racial inequities and ensuring that our firm more closely mirrors our values of inclusion and diversity;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. has taken the following steps in support of this commitment:

• Established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee, consisting of professionals from across the firm, including firm leadership, that meets regularly to monitor and address the firm’s efforts at achieving a diverse and inclusive firm, and which regularly shares and sponsors educational opportunities and events to the firm;
• Employed practices consistent with the Mansfield Rule when making hires for all levels of employment, in order to ensure that there is an opportunity for diverse applicants and candidates to be considered;
• Established a pro bono policy that supports providing legal work at no charge so that disadvantaged persons have access to quality legal representation;
• Annually participated in law clerk hiring programs for diverse law students;
• Established hiring and associate mentoring and review programs that have been monitored and revised in order to minimize any impact of bias;
• Established associate development practices to provide opportunities for professional involvement and feedback and participation in significant litigation matters;
• Established a tradition of professionals serving as volunteers or in leadership for non-profit organizations that play a part in creating a more fair and just society;
• Engaged in multiple professional training sessions for all employees on elimination of bias;
• Engaged in occasional book club events focusing on topics of racism, bias and injustice;
• Recognized Juneteenth as a paid firm holiday;
• Established a wellness committee with a robust, inclusive and personal approach; and
• Joined as a member of the Twin Cities Diversity in Practice organization.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. will take the following future steps in support of this commitment:

• Annual review of the firm’s ongoing antiracism and diversity, inclusion and equity efforts;
• Annual commitment by each professional to make their own contributions to inclusion through meaningful work opportunities, mentoring, or other means;
• Increase representation at the firm of historically underrepresented groups to meet or exceed the representation of those groups in the legal profession;
• Annual review of hiring, retention and advancement of underrepresented groups and related law firm practices and guidelines;
• Establish data points and goals by which the firm can measure progress; and
• Listen, learn and improve on the firm’s commitment.